CMV, or cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that can be particularly concerning during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is infected with CMV, she can pass it to her developing baby, leading to a condition called congenital CMV. This can cause birth defects and other health problems for the baby. Most people have been infected with CMV but do not have symptoms. However, if a pregnant woman is infected with CMV, the virus in her blood can cross through the placenta and infect the developing baby, potentially causing birth defects or other long-term health problems. Testing for CMV infection is a simple blood test, and interventions are available to help manage the condition.
Some key points to note about CMV in pregnancy include:
- CMV is the most common infection passed from pregnant people to babies during pregnancy.
- About 1 in 200 babies in the U.S. is born with CMV, and most babies with congenital CMV don’t have problems, but some may get sick or have long-term health problems.
- If a blood test shows a new CMV infection during pregnancy, the healthcare provider may recommend testing the baby for the virus using amniocentesis.
- Approximately 1-4% of all pregnant women will experience a primary CMV infection during their pregnancy.
Its important for pregnant women to be aware of CMV and discuss it with their obstetrician. While most CMV infections are "silent" and harmless, the potential impact on the unborn baby and newborn makes it crucial for pregnant women to be cautious and informed about the risks and available interventions.
